These are now seven cases of infection by the Nile virus which have been identified in Gironde, according to a statement published on August 9 by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). Among them, four are proven and three still remain “waiting for confirmation“.
These are the first human cases identified in New Aquitaine, the others having so far only been declared “than around the Mediterranean“, i.e. in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA) and Occitanie regions. previous report was made on July 27.
Nile virus, also known as West-Nile virus, has been a reportable disease since 2021. When a case is identified, health authorities investigate the sites of contamination and identify potential other cases.
Nile virus: what is this disease and how is it transmitted?
As the Regional Agency of Gironde explains, “West-Nile virus infection is a viral disease transmitted by Culex mosquitoes“. Also called “common mosquitoes”, these mosquitoes usually bite at night. They are a different species from the tiger mosquito. Before transmitting the disease, mosquitoes “only become infected through contact with infected birds“ underlines the ARS. This disease can infect humans, horses and birds.
Transmission can occur if the mosquito bites a human after biting a bird infected with the virus. As the health authorities recall, “the West Nile virus is not transmitted from person to personnor of the man with the mosquito“. But one “extremely low risk“ transmission persists, however, in the case of blood or organ donation.
What are the symptoms of the West Nile virus?
After a West Nile virus infection, the incubation period is two to six days, but can extend to fourteen days. According to health authorities, “in 80% of cases, human West Nile virus infection is said to be ‘asymptomatic’i.e. the patient has no symptoms“.
However, in 20% of cases, the disease may present with a flu-like syndrome. These are fever, body aches or even headaches. In rare cases (1 in 150), she may have neurological complications in people who are already fragile. Health authorities are calling on people with these symptoms to seek medical attention.
West-Nile virus: how to limit the risk of contamination?
As health authorities state,better prevention against disease lies in protection against mosquito bites“ as well as in the fight against places that can favor the proliferation of mosquitoes around homes. The health authorities recommend in particular:
- protect yourself from mosquitoes with covering clothes and mosquito repellent,
- protect your home with a mesh against mosquitoes,
- install mosquito nets above the bed or a cradle for newborns,
- use fans to disturb mosquitoes,
- avoid stagnant water around the home,
- avoid litter dumps.
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